Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking. Creamy whipped feta pairs beautifully with a bright cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy pistachios and a hint of spice. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the cranberries burst.
3. Step 3: Stir constantly and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Step 5: In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, if the mixture is too thick.
6. Step 6: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern on the surface.
7. Step 7: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes on top, then drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
• You can use frozen cranberries; just thaw slightly before cooking.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to the cranberry sauce for extra brightness.
• Swap pistachios for toasted walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cranberry sauce and whipped feta separate until ready to serve for best texture. Reheat the cranberry sauce gently if preferred warm, but serve the whipped feta cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the cranberry sauce and whipped feta a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, this dip contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, making it a great party option for those with dietary restrictions.

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 367 reviews

This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a vibrant and tangy appetizer perfect for festive gatherings or casual snacking. It features a luscious whipped feta and cream cheese base topped with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce, garnished with crunchy pistachios, a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat, and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Sauce

• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), fresh or frozen

Whipped Feta Dip

• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, granulated sugar, and cranberries. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until most cranberries burst, stirring occasionally.
3. Mash the cranberries: Continuously stir and mash the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
4. Cool the sauce: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor or blender, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust texture: If the mixture is too thick, add water 1 teaspoon at a time and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Assemble the dip: Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl, creating a swirl pattern with the back of a spoon.
8. Top and garnish: Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the whipped feta. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and crushed red pepper flakes, then drizzle honey on top if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; just allow a few extra minutes if using frozen to fully cook down.
• For a tangier dip, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on spice preference.
• The dip can be made a few hours in advance; keep refrigerated and assemble just before serving.
• This dip pairs wonderfully with pita chips, crackers, or sliced fresh vegetables.

Keywords: Cranberry dip, Whipped feta, Holiday appetizer, Easy dip recipe, Festive dip, Party appetizer, Cranberry sauce, Cream cheese dip